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Here it is, the MKVII Golf in all its glory making its official debut at the Geneva Auto Show. The car looks absolutely great as the MKVII Golf does but especially so in GTI trim. So what are the improvements? How about a lower curb weight at 2978 pounds. Impressive to be under 3000 pounds these days. The turbo 2.0 liter motor gets 220 horsepower standard and an optional 230 horsepower performance pack but this is likely only for Europe.

The car will be on sale in Europe in May of this year. The US date has yet to be announced. Low weight, 18% efficiency boost, and a dual clutch trans to go along with the interior/exterior styling makes the new GTI a winner.

Pictures, press release, and video below.

VOLKSWAGEN DEBUTS NEW GTI AT THE GENEVA AUTO SHOW

- Available with two levels of power for the first time: standard 220 horsepower or 230 hp with performance pack (European model)

Following tradition, Volkswagen will introduce the latest version of the Golf GTI at the Geneva International Motor Show. For the first time, the iconic hot hatch is available at launch with two power levels: 220 horsepower; or 230 hp with the optional performance pack.

The new GTI is powered by a turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine (TSI®) that makes 220 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque in standard form. Volkswagen is offering a factory- installed performance pack for the first time, which boosts power to 230 hp. Both versions are equipped with a Stop-Start system, fulfill the EU-6 emissions standard that takes effect in 2014, and attain the same excellent DIN gas mileage figure of 39.2 mpg-which equates to 139 g/km of CO2-when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission. This means that the new GTI offers an 18 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model. With the optional six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, the 220- and 230-hp GTIs return 36.8 and 36.2 mpg respectively (equivalent to 148 and 150 g/km CO2).

The sporty nature of the Golf GTI is reflected in its red-painted brake calipers, twin chrome tailpipes, and a lowered sport suspension. The exterior of the compact hatchback also scores with 17-inch "Brooklyn" GTI wheels and 225/45 tires, special side skirts, a rear diffuser, and smoked LED taillights with LED license-plate illumination.

Visually, the interior is highlighted by sport seats with the "Clark" tartan pattern, a black headliner, and red ambient lighting. The car also offers classic GTI features such as a sport steering wheel, GTI shifter knob grip and instrument cluster, special trim inserts, and stainless- steel pedals and foot support.

Standard features include the progressive steering system; "Climatronic" automatic climate control; park assist; Volkswagen's latest touchscreen infotainment system; and a winter pack that includes heatable front seats. Customers can choose from three body colors: "Tornado Red", "Black" and "Pure White". In Germany, the car goes on sale in May with prices starting at 28,350 euros.